Irishman banned after drug test

A statement issued yesterday said: "The Irish Rugby Football Union has been informed by the Irish Sports Council of an adverse finding during out-of-competition testing, as part of the ISC's anti-doping programme.

"The matter has been referred to the IRFU's independent tribunal and when its findings are known, the IRFU will make a further statement. The player has been suspended pending the outcome of the tribunal hearing. He is not an IRFU contracted player."

The fact that the individual involved does not figure in the plans of the national coach Warren Gatland is welcome in the approach to the opening games in the Six Nations championship.

Yet the development will serve to reinforce the Irish Sports Council's assertion that the war on drugs in Irish sport is still not won.

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